Newcastle United have strengthened their development squad with the acquisition of Ayoze Pérez from Tenerife for upwards of £1.5m on a long-term contract.

The 20-year-old striker’s arrival should delight Alan Pardew, Newcastle’s manager, who has been anxious to reinforce the club’s Under-21 department.

Born in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, Pérez joined his local team from school, breaking into the first XI last season. Playing in the Segunda División, Spain’s second tier, he proved prolific, scoring 16 goals in 34 appearances.

“I’m very happy to be here to start this new adventure,” said Pérez during a flying visit to St James’ Park to meet Peter Beardsley, the reserve team manager, and finalise details of a contract which formally begins on 1 July.

“I’m very eager for it to begin and I’m very pleased to play for this magnificent club. Any football player would be interested in playing for such a club and I will earn my position to get in the first team,” he told nufcTV.

Pardew added: “We’re delighted to confirm our first signing of the summer and very pleased to have Ayoze at Newcastle United, as a number of other clubs were chasing his signature too.

“He had a terrific season in Spain last year and is a player who we hope to develop further on Tyneside. He’s only 20 but has a very good eye for goal and that’s a great asset for any young player to have.”

Newcastle have not made any permament additions to Pardew’s first-team squad for 18 months but a deal with Jack Colback, the Sunderland midfielder, has been agreed and the Tyneside club are expected to announce he will be joining them on a five-year contract next week.